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TWTW Regional Roundups
News from around the world
Padmashree Anandhan, Fleur Elizabeth Philip, Naomi Miriam Mathew, Rohini Reenum, Femy Francis, Anu Maria Joseph, Lekshmi M.K, M. Kejia Reddy, Aparna A Nair, Santhiya. M, Chittrothu Vaihali, and Swati Sood.
CHINA THIS WEEK
China: China’s nuclear arsenal is growing faster than any other country, reports SIPRI
On 16 June, SCMP reported that, according to the latest Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report, China’s nuclear arsenal is growing faster than any other country. As per the report, China has added 100 more warheads to its nuclear stockpile each year since 2023. SIPRI Associate Senior Fellow Hans Kristensen said: “There could be several factors behind the rapid warhead build-up, including President Xi Jinping’s call that China must be a world-class military power by the middle of the century”. The report further predicted that China’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) force could match that of Russia and the US in a decade.
China: Develops its new generation manned spacecraft “Mengzhou,”
On 18 June, China’s new-generation manned spacecraft, the Mengzhou, was developed by its designers, who elaborated on its innovative features. On 17 June, it underwent an escape flight test at zero altitude. China’s Aerospace and Technology Corporation’s Yu Kang, the contractor of the Mengzhou spacecraft development, explained the operational difference between the Mengzhou manned spacecraft and the current Shenzhou manned spacecraft. The former jettisons its heat shield, igniting about one meter above the ground to reduce landing speed further, while the latter jettisons its heat shield before landing, then inflates buffer airbags. Yu stated that airbags are fully inflated before touchdown, and through the combined effect of parachutes and buffer airbags, they cushion the landing and reduce the impact on the capsule.
Taiwan: President Lai meets French parliamentarians, pledging stronger trade and energy cooperation
On 12 June, Taiwan’s President William Lai met with a French parliamentary team led by Marie-Noelle Battistel in Taipei. They pledged stronger cooperation in trade, energy, and cybersecurity. He stated that Taiwan and France will work closely to protect peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and contribute to global prosperity. Lai thanked France for supporting Taiwan’s role in global organizations and defending navigation freedom in the Taiwan Strait. He also noted recent tech ties formed at the Choose France Summit and Taiwan’s presence at the Viva Technology conference. Battistel, on her fourth visit to Taiwan, praised the country’s youth programs and backed its participation in the WHO. She emphasized the importance of combating disinformation and foreign interference. Her delegation, including four French lawmakers, held key talks on semiconductors and cultural exchanges. Battistel said: “We are committed to deepening ties between our two democratic countries in a complex geopolitical context.
EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC THIS WEEK
South Korea: President Lee Jae-myung emphasizes on were diversification of energy supply, integration of AI, economic diplomacy and culture at G7
On 17 June, the President of South Korea Lee arrived in Canada for attending G7 t summit. His main focus of the talks were diversification of energy supply, integration of AI, economic diplomacy and culture. In the summit he his vision for the theme “the future of energy security” where he introduced “energy highway concept”. On 18 June, the President met with the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and held talks on Korea-UKFTA agreement. This presence of South Korea was also another way for the President to show the world that Korea's democracy is recovered and the restoration of Korea's summit diplomacy.
South Korea: President Lee Jae-myung looks to restore crisis management system between South Korea and North Korea
On 16 June, President of South Korea Lee Jae-myung announced that he aims to restore crisis management system between South Korea and North Korea. He expressed his plan to start with recovering suspended dialogue channel between the South Korea and North Korea.
South Korea: Seoul celebrates Queer cultural festival
On 14 June, Seoul celebrated Queer Cultural Festival took. The festival is celebrated every year for acknowledging the LGBTQ+ community in the country. Politicians, farmers, foreign envoys, celebrities, civic groups and Koreans joined this event The slogan for the event was “we will not stop”. Protests against LGBTQ+ also took place in a nearby region in central Seoul orchestrated by Catholic Christian groups as they condone homosexuality. There were however, no reported clashes between them.
South Korea: President Lee Jae-myung orders to penalize sending anti-regime leaflets to North Korea
On 14 June, The President of South Korea Lee Jae-myung passed orders to prevent and penalize sending of leaflets that are critical of the North Korean regime across the Inter-Korean border. On 16 June, the government held interagency meeting to discuss preventive and punitive measures against the distribution of anti-North Korean leaflets. The President aims to reclaim “lost time and lost peace” and work towards better future where “both Koreas can coexist.”
South Korea: National Security Adviser holds talks with the Prime Minister of Japan for strengthening bilateral ties
On 16 June, the Prime Minister of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba held meeting with South Korea National Adviser, Wi Sung lac on strengthening bilateral relations between South Korea and Japan. On 18 June, the President of South Korea, Lee Jae-myung met with the Prime Minister of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba at the G7 summit. They deliberated on enhancing South Korea-Japan ties. It was their first in-person talks where they emphasized on jointly dealing with international crises.
Japan: Upper House Elections likely to be held in July
On 16 June, Reuters reported that Upper House elections in Japan are likely to be held on 20th July. A triennial Upper House election will be held between 24 days and 30 days after the end of a parliamentary session. Another reason for elections to be conducted is because PM Shigeru Ishiba doesn't want to extend his term.
New Zealand: Government pauses funding to Cook Islands
On 19 June, the New Zealand government announced that it has paused it's funding to the Cook Islands. The funding is estimated to be USD 10.97 million, which was halted due to weakened trust between the Cook Islands and the New Zealand. The New Zealand government informed that unless the Cook Islands puts an effort to repair the ties, it will not disburse the funds.
SOUTHEAST AND SOUTH ASIA
Bangladesh: Yunus orders probe into role of ex-election officials in three disputed elections
On 16 June, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus ordered the formation of a committee to investigate the role of former election officials in organizing three controversial general elections. The probe will look into the conduct of former chief election commissioners, election commissioners and secretaries of the Election Commission Secretariat, according to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing. He issued the directive during a meeting of the National Consensus Commission. This development can be viewed as an effort to continue to prosecute members of Sheikh Hasina’s government.
Bhutan: World Bank approves USD 34.5 million for job creation and green value chains
On 14 June, the World Bank approved USD 34.5 million in financing for Bhutan, aimed at job creation and green value chains under a new government Project. Acting World Bank Country Director for Bhutan, Cecile Fruman said. “The project will drive economic growth and enhance Bhutan’s competitiveness in both domestic and export markets, while ensuring environmental sustainability and carbon neutrality.” The project aims to create 12,000 full-time jobs by supporting the government’s efforts to transform the renewable natural resource sector from subsistence to a modern, market-oriented system. This project will help unlock Bhutan’s green economic potential by transforming rural livelihoods through climate-smart practices, better market access, and value chain development. By reducing food loss, increasing the adoption of climate-smart agriculture, and promoting value addition, the project is expected to support long-term carbon mitigation and climate adaptation.
Bhutan: National Assembly ratifies GST bill to reduce number of taxable goods
On 16 June, the National Assembly (NA) adopted the Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, reducing the applicable GST rate to five per cent for taxable goods and services, as proposed by the Economic and Finance Committee (EFC). The Bill aims to streamline the GST framework by reducing the list of taxable goods.
Nepal: Civil servants plan new protests for amending the Federal Civil Service bill
On 16 June, civil servants and trade unions affiliated to various political parties planned to resume their joint protest to pressurize the government to make changes in the Federal Civil Service Bill. This bill brings new regulations to govern the civil service in Nepal. Protests are rising because stakeholders feel it hinders their career development. Chair of the Unified Government Employee Organization, Yam Bahadur Khatri, stated that the bill fails to include employees of the federal, provincial, and local levels under the definition of federal civil servants; does not address broad career development with a single grade increment and the issue of regularizing temporary and contract-based employees within the approved organizational structure; and that the career development path for non-graded employees remains unclear.
Pakistan: PM Sharif-Marc Rubio phone call: Focus on Iran-Israel conflict, India, trade, and terrorism
On 20 June, PM Shahbaz Sharif spoke to the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the telephone. Secretary Rubio and PM Sharif expressed their resolve to enhance bilateral ties and work towards establishing peace in the region. During the phone conversation, PM Sharif appreciated US President Trump’s “bold leadership.” He also praised the US Secretary of State’s alleged role in negotiating a truce between India and Pakistan. PM Sharif expressed Pakistan’s readiness to hold talks with India on all contentious issues, especially on the dispute over Jammu and Kashmir, adherence to the Indus Water Treaty, and combating terrorism. Rubio and PM Sharif deliberated on the emerging circumstances in the Middle East, particularly focussing on the Israel-Iran conflict. PM Sharif emphasized the need of “dialogue and diplomacy” to put an end to the conflict. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to engage in efforts to for ceasing hostilities in the region. Further, PM Sharif urged for enhancing bilateral collaboration with the US in areas such as “investment, energy, rare earth metals, mining, and IT.” In addition to that, PM Sharif expressed Pakistan’s commitment to eradicate terrorism and counter the threats constituted by militant groups such as Balochistan Liberation Army and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
As per The Express Tribune, Secretary of State Rubio praised Pakistan’s measures to combat terrorism and reaffirmed the US’s backing for the same. Further, he appreciated Pakistan for ceasing hostilities with India and asserted that it has played a constructive part in “promoting peace.” He also conveyed the US's willingness to enhance ties with Pakistan in all sectors of mutual interest.
Pakistan: Pakistan recommends Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize
On 21 June, The Express Tribune reported that the federal government has suggested US President Trump’s name for the Nobel Peace Prize 2026. The government applauded Trump’s alleged “diplomatic intervention” in the India-Pakistan confrontation. Pakistan had termed India’s measures against it after the Pahalgam terrorist attack as “unprovoked and unlawful.” As per Islamabad, India’s measures breached the “sovereignty and territorial integrity” of Pakistan. In reply to India’s measures, Pakistan had initiated Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, which it claims was an act of “self-defence.” As per a communique from the government, the mediation efforts set forth by US President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio helped in ensuring a “ceasefire” between India and Pakistan. Further, it appreciated President Trump’s willingness to “mediate” in resolving the dispute over Jammu and Kashmir. In addition to that, the government hopes that President Trump will be able to ensure peace through diplomacy in Gaza and Iran.
Pakistan: Civil Servants Bill 2025 gets approval from Senate; bill aims to improve transparency
On 19 June, the Senate gave its assent to the Civil Servants Bill 2025. The objective of the bill is to increase “transparency.” Furthermore, it will enable individuals to access information related to the assets owned by senior government. The bill was put forward by PML-N’s Azam Nazeer Tarar. The bill amends the Civil Servants Act 1973. As per the bill, senior government officers whose salary falls in Basic Pay Scale 17 to 22, have to declare their assets, whether in Pakistan or in foreign countries, which the common public can retrieve. The bill also includes measures to make sure that no “sensitive personal information” goes out in public.
AFRICA THIS WEEK
Africa: Three out of five hunger hotspots in Africa, says a report by the UN
On 16 June, the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) released "Hunger Hotspots," a report predicting food crises in the next five months. As per the report, extreme hunger will prevail in 13 global hotspots, especially Sudan, Palestine, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali, which would face an immediate risk of starvation. The report identifies the primary causes of the condition as conflict, economic shocks, and climate-induced hazards, and also recommends investment and assistance. Other hotspots of very high concern are Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar and Nigeria. Other hotspots include Burkina Faso, Chad, Somalia, and Syria.
Morocco: Plans to review trade agreement with Turkey as trade deficit rises
On 19 June, Africanews reported that Morocco plans to review the 2004 trade agreement with Turkey. This follows Morocco's trade deficit with Turkey, which reached 22.8 per cent in the first four months of 2025. Morocco's Trade Minister Omar Hjira informed that he would visit Turkey to address the issue and rebalance the trade relationship. The deficit was driven by large imports of Turkish fabrics to Morocco. Manufacturers pointed out the goods being more affordable, of higher quality, and have better delivery due to governmental support in Turkey. Previously, Morocco imposed 90 per cent tariffs on textile imports from Turkey.
DRC: 29 people die due to floods and landslides in Kinshasa
On 16 June, the BBC reported that 29 people died in floods and landslides in the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa. DRC's meteorological agency reported that 90mm of rain was recorded. This is higher than the average rainfall during the rainy season, which begins from November and lasts until May. As per climate experts, te unusually high rainfall is due to climate change. The rain caused floods that swept away homes, blocked roads, and led to power outages. The lack of urban planning and proper drainage during the unusual rain had serious repercussions as residents of Kinshasa lived in poorly built homes. The government expressed its condolences and covered the funeral expenses of the 29 people who died. Interior Minister Shabani Lukoo chaired a crisis meeting to coordinate flood management.
DRC and Rwanda: US and Qatar mediate the provisional agreement to de-escalate conflict
On 18 June, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed a provisional agreement to de-escalate the conflict in eastern DRC following three days of dialogue in Washington, DC. The US and Qatar have taken the mediating roles. The conflict escalated when M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, captured Goma and Bukavu. Amnesty International and the UN have also reported human rights violations. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk urged "to commit immediately to a ceasefire and resume negotiations." The draft agreement would be signed by the ministers of the DRC and Rwanda on 27 June in the presence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The draft agreement includes disarmament, the integration of non-state armed groups, and the return of refugees and internally displaced people.
EUROPE THIS WEEK
Finland: Withdraws from the Ottawa Treaty over security concerns at the Russian border
On 19 June 2025, Finland’s Parliament voted to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, known as the Mine Ban Treaty, which prohibited the use, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines. The vote passed with 157 members in favour and 18 against. Finland’s government proposed the decision in response to the rising security concerns. The decision gained support from the majority of the ruling coalition lawmakers. Finland joined the treaty in January 2012, and the treaty came into effect in July 2012. As a signatory, Finland agreed to destroying its stockpiles of landmines and refraining from their use in conflict.
Bulgaria: Government announces a plan to adopt the Euro by 2026
On 19 June, Eurozone Finance Ministers informed that Bulgaria should become the 21st member of the Eurozone from January 2026. One of the members stated that the Eurogroup has acknowledged the fulfilment of all necessary conditions by Bulgaria to adopt the Euro currency. The exchange rate would be decided by EU Finance Ministers in their meeting in July.
Russia: Signs declaration for strategic partnership with Indonesia
On 19 June, Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, held a meeting with Indonesia’s President, Prabowo Subianto and signed a declaration on a strategic partnership. The agreement is a part of Moscow’s aim to deepen its relations with the Global South. On the same day, Sovereign Wealth Fund Danantra, an investment management agency of Indonesia and the Russian Direct Investment Fund signed an agreement to create an investment fund worth EUR two billion. Both CEOs signed the agreement, and it was witnessed by both the Presidents of Indonesia and Russia.
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